The Roulette House Edge
It goes by many names, the house average, the house advantage, expected value, and many others. However, the house edge is far and away the most common term used to describe the player versus house percentage. The percentage is calculated based on the 0 positions included on the wheel. The lowest house edge is in European Roulette, which has 36 numbers and a single zero. The odds continue increasing in the house’s favor with American Roulette’s 00 and the 000 in Triple Zero Roulette. The highest payout is available on single number bets in these Roulette games. Based on that outcome, the house edge is calculated using the following formulas:
| Roulette Type | Formula | House Edge |
| European | −1 × 36⁄37 + 35 × 1⁄37 | −0.0526 (5.26%) |
| American | −1 × 37⁄38 + 35 × 1⁄38 | −0.0270 (2.70%) |
| Triple Zero | −1 × 38⁄39 + 35 × 1⁄39 | −0.0769 (7.69%) |
To reiterate, the house edge is found almost exclusively in the number of 0 positions on the wheel. In the case that a 0, 00, or 000 is the result of a spin, any Outside bets made by the player will be an automatic loss. So, right away, the house has a significant advantage on these types of bets. Inside bets also have a bit of a house edge, so don’t think you are free and clear going that route. For example, if straight $1 wagers are placed on all the individual inside bet numbers, as well as 0s, a player can only return $36, while wagering $39. There are some exceptions to the rule in the form of 5-number bets and French Roulette bets that return a portion of the player’s wager after a loss. This rule, known as ‘la partage’ is only found in French Roulette and serves to set this variation apart from European Roulette. French Roulette’s ‘en prison’ rule also serves to cut the house edge in the event of a loss on an even money bet.
Roulette Hold
One term you may come across as you play Roulette online is the ‘Hold’. This term refers to the average percentage of money a player brings to the table when they first sit down and loses in play before leaving the table at the end of a session. This is the actual take for the casino. This percentage of all ‘hold’ winnings for the house is typically significantly higher than the house edge, as it is a sum of all player losses left unrecouped at casino Roulette tables.
American Roulette Payouts
American Roulette is a popular variety of Roulette played all over the world. The game includes not only a single zero position, but a double zero as well. The result is a slightly higher house edge.
| American Roulette – Inside Bets | |||
| BET | ODDS AGAINST | PAYOUT | HOUSE EDGE |
| Straight Up | 37 to 1 | 35 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Split | 18 to 1 | 17 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Street | 11.7 to 1 | 11 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Trio | 11.7 to 1 | 11 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Corner | 8.5 to 1 | 8 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Five Number | 6.6 to 1 | 6 to 1 | 7.90% |
| Six Line | 5.33 to 1 | 5 to 1 | 5.26% |
| American Roulette – Outside Bets | |||
| BET | ODDS AGAINST | PAYOUT | HOUSE EDGE |
| Red or Black | 1.11 to 1 | 1 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Even or Odd | 1.11 to 1 | 1 to 1 | 5.26% |
| High or Low | 1.11 to 1 | 1 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Dozens | 2.17 to 1 | 2 to 1 | 5.26% |
| Columns | 2.17 to 1 | 2 to 1 | 5.26% |
Triple Zero Roulette Payouts
Triple Zero Roulette is played the same as American Rules Roulette, only the game includes an additional zero position. This further increases the house edge by 33%. So, ‘why bother?’ you may ask. It’s simple. The minimum wagering requirement on these tables is much lower than double and single zero variations. For this reason, house odds are increased but so is player longevity on the tables.
European Roulette Payouts
The European Roulette game is very similar to American Roulette. The main difference resides in the fact that European Roulette has only one zero position. The result is a lower house edge when compared to American Roulette.
| European Roulette – Inside Bets | |||
| BET | ODDS AGAINST | PAYOUT | HOUSE EDGE |
| Straight Up | 36 to 1 | 35 to 1 | 2.7% |
| Split | 17.5 to 1 | 17 to 1 | 2.7% |
| Street | 11.33 to 1 | 11 to 1 | 2.7% |
| Trio | 11.33 to 1 | 11 to 1 | 2.7% |
| Corner | 8.25 to 1 | 8 to 1 | 2.7% |
| Six Line | 5.17 to 1 | 5 to 1 | 2.7% |
| European Roulette – Outside Bets | |||
| BET | ODDS AGAINST | PAYOUT | HOUSE EDGE |
| Red or Black | 1.06 to 1 | 1 to 1 | 2.7% |
| Even or Odd | 1.06 to 1 | 1 to 1 | 2.7% |
| High or Low | 1.06 to 1 | 1 to 1 | 2.7% |
| Dozens | 2.08 to 1 | 2 to 1 | 2.7% |
| Columns | 2.08 to 1 | 2 to 1 | 2.7% |
French Roulette Payouts
French Roulette is played almost identically to European Roulette. However, when making certain bets in French Roulette, if the ball lands on the zero position after a spin, the player loses only 50% of their wager. This halves the house edge on certain bets.
| French Roulette – Inside Bets | |||
| BET | ODDS AGAINST | PAYOUT | HOUSE EDGE |
| Straight Up | 36 to 1 | 35 to 1 | 2.70% |
| Split | 17.5 to 1 | 17 to 1 | 2.70% |
| Street | 11.33 to 1 | 11 to 1 | 2.70% |
| Trio | 11.33 to 1 | 11 to 1 | 2.70% |
| Corner | 8.25 to 1 | 8 to 1 | 2.70% |
| Six Line | 5.17 to 1 | 5 to 1 | 2.70% |
| French Roulette – Outside Bets | |||
| BET | ODDS AGAINST | PAYOUT | HOUSE EDGE |
| Red or Black | 1.06 to 1 | 1 to 1 | 1.35% |
| Even or Odd | 1.06 to 1 | 1 to 1 | 1.35% |
| High or Low | 1.06 to 1 | 1 to 1 | 1.35% |
| Dozens | 2.08 to 1 | 2 to 1 | 2.70% |
| Columns | 2.08 to 1 | 2 to 1 | 2.70% |
Now you know just about all there is to know when it comes to the most popular Roulette variations. Use this information to your advantage on the tables and enjoy lasting entertainment while you beat the house at their own game.
